The FBI releases the below information:
INDIANAPOLIS—With
warmer weather in sight, many Hoosiers are planning vacation travel. But ahead
of packing up the car and heading out for some fun, FBI Indianapolis warns
residents to take precautions to avoid falling prey to break-ins by
international criminals.
International
theft groups are typically comprised of individuals from South American
countries who travel to the United States to participate in organized theft
rings and are likely responsible for select organized burglaries and thefts in
Indiana. These theft groups usually target homes in affluent neighborhoods when
the residents are out of town, concentrating on the master or main bedroom and
taking high end jewelry, accessories, and cash. Instances of the groups
targeting homes in Indiana report a similar method of operation, to include
surveillance of their victims to learn their schedules.
Not only have
the groups been known to target homes in affluent neighborhoods, they also are
likely responsible for select distraction robberies at grocery stores and
similar establishments. Methods include surreptitiously removing credit cards
from victims’ wallets, or the theft of the entire wallet, resulting in
purchases of pre-paid gift cards at commercial retailers.
“This crime is
definitely on the FBI’s radar, and we are tracking identified international
organized theft groups to intercept them as they move between targets and are
working with our law enforcement partners to mitigate the threat,” said FBI
Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton.
Staying aware is
key to avoiding becoming a victim. Tips include:
- Vary your daily
routine
- Don't post on
social media that you're on vacation
- Utilize a doorbell
camera with an alarm system
- Keep inside lights
on with timers
- Take photos of
valuables and keep those items in a safe
- Don’t leave large
amounts of cash in the home
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
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